Punjab Kesari Lala Lajpat Rai

Every year,  Punjab Kesari Lala Lajpat Rai’s birth anniversary is celebrated on 28th January. 

About Lala Lajpat Rai

• Lala Lajpat Rai was a great freedom fighter and nationalist leader of India. 
• He was popularly known as ‘Punjab Kesari’ (Lion of Punjab). 
• A strong believer in Hinduism and nationalism, he worked for India’s independence and social reforms.
• Early Life and Education
  • Born  in Dhudike village, Ferozepur, Punjab.
  • Studied law at Government College, Lahore.
  • Influenced by Swami Dayananda Saraswati and joined the Arya Samaj.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Lala Lajpat Rai’s Contribution to India’s Freedom Struggle

• Role in the Indian National Congress (INC)
  • Joined INC in the late 19th century and took part in many protests.
  • He was elected President of the All India Trade Union Congress in 1920. .
  • Supported the extremist faction of INC, demanding stronger actions against British rule.
  • Arrested in 1907 and sent to Mandalay jail, but continued his political work after release.
  • Along with Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal formed the Lal-Bal-Pal trio, which promoted aggressive nationalism.
  • Became INC President in 1920 (Calcutta Session), where the Non-Cooperation Movement was officially adopted.
• Contribution to the Swadeshi Movement
  • Actively participated in the Swadeshi Movement (1905), which was launched after the partition of Bengal.
  • Encouraged people to boycott British goods and support Indian industries.
  • Promoted the use of locally made products to weaken British economic control over India
• Leadership in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920)
  • Took a leading role in the Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM) launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920.
  • INC approved the movement under his presidency.e.
• Role in the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)
  • Actively supported the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930) led by Mahatma Gandhi.
  • Took part in Salt Satyagraha and the Dandi March.
  • Encouraged Indians to boycott British goods, refuse cooperation with British officials, and break unfair laws.
  • Imprisoned multiple times for participating in protests.
• Role in Punjab Politics
  • Strongly opposed British policies that harmed Punjab.
  • Protested against the Rowlatt Act (1919), which allowed the British to arrest people without trial.
  • Led protests against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919).
  • Promoted education in Punjab and founded National College (now D.A.V. College) in Lahore.

Social Contributions

• Fought against untouchability and worked for social reforms.
• Established the Hindu Relief Movement (1897) to help famine-affected people and prevent religious conversions.
• Founded the Servants of People Society (1921) to work for social welfare.

Literary Contributions:  Lala Lajpat Rai was also a writer. Some of his famous books include

• Young India
• England’s Debt to India
• Evolution of Japan
• India’s Will to Freedom
• Message of the Bhagavad Gita
• Political Future of India
• The Depressed Classes
• The Problem of National Education in India
• United States of America (Travelogue)

Institutional Contributions

• Founded many organizations, including:
  • Hisar Bar Council
  • Hisar Arya Samaj
  • Hisar Congress
  • National DAV Managing Committee
• Founded the Punjab National Bank (1894).
• founded the Home Rule League of America in 1917 in New York

Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

Death and Legacy

• In 1928, while leading a silent protest against the Simon Commission in Lahore, he was brutally lathi-charged by British police under Superintendent James Scott.
• He died a few weeks later due to the injuries he sustained.

Ready to boost your UPSC 2025 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!